History of Chicago Sky in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 13, 2026

The Chicago Sky is a professional women's basketball team competing in the Eastern Conference of the WNBA. Established in 2005, the franchise is based in Chicago, Illinois, and plays its home games at Wintrust Arena. Throughout their history, the Sky have become a significant presence in the league, highlighted by their successful 2021 season, which culminated in the team capturing their first WNBA Championship title. The organization is known for fostering high-level talent and maintaining a competitive identity within the professional basketball landscape. As a key representative of Chicago in major league sports, the team plays a vital role in the growth and visibility of women's athletics, drawing a dedicated fanbase and contributing to the competitive parity of the WNBA.

February 2005: WNBA Awards Chicago a Franchise

In February 2005, NBA commissioner David Stern officially announced that the city of Chicago had been granted a new WNBA expansion franchise, which was initially referred to as WNBA Chicago.

May 27, 2005: Dave Cowens Named Head Coach and GM

On May 27, 2005, the new Chicago WNBA team appointed former NBA player and coach Dave Cowens as their inaugural head coach and general manager, while also confirming the UIC Pavilion as their home arena.

September 20, 2005: Team Branding and Identity Debut

On September 20, 2005, the team held an event at the Adler Planetarium to unveil their official name and logo, with CEO Margaret Stender detailing how the team's blue and yellow color palette reflects the Chicago sky and sunlight.

November 2005: Chicago Sky Inaugural Expansion Draft

In November 2005, the Chicago Sky conducted an expansion draft to assemble their first roster, selecting players including Brooke Wyckoff, Bernadette Ngoyisa, Elaine Powell, and Stacey Dales.

February 28, 2006: Michelle Williams and Mathew Knowles Join Chicago Sky Ownership

On February 28, 2006, the Chicago Sky organization officially announced that Michelle Williams, a member of Destiny's Child, and Mathew Knowles, the father of Beyoncé Knowles, had become minority shareholders in the team.

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December 12, 2006: Bo Overton Named Head Coach and General Manager

On December 12, 2006, the Chicago Sky appointed Bo Overton, the former women's basketball head coach at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, as the team's new head coach and general manager.

2006: Chicago Sky Franchise Foundation

In 2006, the Chicago Sky basketball franchise was officially founded and began competing in the Women's National Basketball Association.

2007: 2007 WNBA Season and Rookie of the Year Award

During the 2007 season, the Chicago Sky improved their performance to a 14-20 record, falling just short of the playoffs. Additionally, in 2007, Armintie Price was honored with the WNBA Rookie of the Year award after being selected as the third overall pick in the draft.

March 12, 2008: Coaching and Management Change

On March 12, 2008, the Chicago Sky organization announced that head coach and general manager Dave Overton had resigned from his position following allegations of harassment. Consequently, Steven Key was appointed as the new head coach and general manager for the team.

2008: Chicago Sky 2008 Season and Draft Pick

During the 2008 season, the Chicago Sky selected Sylvia Fowles with the second overall pick in the WNBA draft. The team concluded the 2008 campaign with a 12–22 record, placing fifth in the Eastern Conference and missing the playoffs, partially due to Fowles being sidelined for 17 games because of a knee injury.

2009: 2009 WNBA Draft and Season Performance

During the 2009 season, the Chicago Sky drafted Kristi Toliver with the third overall pick in the WNBA draft. The team finished the 2009 season with a 16-18 record and narrowly missed the playoffs after losing a tiebreaker to the Washington Mystics.

October 28, 2010: Pokey Chatman Named Chicago Sky General Manager and Head Coach

On October 28, 2010, the Chicago Sky organization appointed former LSU head coach Pokey Chatman to take over the roles of both general manager and head coach, following the resignation of the previous office holder.

2011: Chicago Sky 2011 Season Overview

During the 2011 season, the Chicago Sky selected Courtney Vandersloot as the third overall pick in the WNBA draft. Star player Sylvia Fowles led the team with an average of 20 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, earning her the title of Defensive Player of the Year. The team concluded the 2011 season with an overall record of 14–20, showing strength with a 10–7 performance at home.

2012: Chicago Sky 2012 Season Overview

During the 2012 season, the Chicago Sky bolstered their roster with experienced players like Ticha Penicheiro, Ruth Riley, Swin Cash, and Le'Coe Willingham. Despite a strong 7-1 start, an injury to Prince hampered the team's momentum, leading to a 14-20 finish for the third year in a row in 2012.

2013: Start of Playoff Success Period

Beginning in 2013, the Chicago Sky entered a successful era for the franchise, characterized by multiple playoff appearances over several years.

2013: Chicago Sky 2013 Season Breakthrough

During the 2013 season, the Chicago Sky reached the playoffs for the first time in franchise history after achieving a 24-10 record and securing first place in the Eastern Conference. Key highlights of 2013 included Elena Delle Donne being selected in the draft, becoming the first rookie to lead All-Star voting, and winning Rookie of the Year. Additionally, Sylvia Fowles was named Defensive Player of the Year, Swin Cash received the Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award, and the team ultimately concluded their season with a loss in the conference semifinals against the Indiana Fever.

2014: Chicago Sky 2014 Season and WNBA Finals Appearance

During the 2014 season, the Chicago Sky finished with a 15-19 record, securing a playoff spot as the 4th seed. Key highlights included Allie Quigley winning Sixth Woman of the Year and the team advancing to their first WNBA Finals, where they were eventually swept by the Phoenix Mercury.

2014: WNBA Finals Appearance

In 2014, the Chicago Sky achieved a major milestone by playing in the WNBA Finals.

February 2015: Acquisition of Cappie Pondexter

In February 2015, the Chicago Sky strengthened their roster by acquiring Chicago native Cappie Pondexter from the New York Liberty in a direct trade for Epiphanny Prince.

December 6, 2016: Amber Stocks Hired as Head Coach and GM

On December 6, 2016, the Chicago Sky announced the hiring of Amber Stocks to serve as both the head coach and general manager of the franchise, succeeding the outgoing Chatman.

2016: Chicago Sky 2016 WNBA Postseason Run

During the 2016 season, the Chicago Sky secured the 4th seed in the league under the new playoff format. Despite reaching the semifinals, the team was defeated 3-1 by the Los Angeles Sparks in the 2016 postseason while playing without the injured Elena Delle Donne.

2016: Conclusion of First Playoff Run

The year 2016 marked the end of a four-year period of sustained success for the Chicago Sky, during which the team consistently made playoff appearances.

2017: Assists-Per-Game Record

During the 2017 season, Courtney Vandersloot achieved a significant milestone by setting a new WNBA record for assists per game.

2017: 2017 Chicago Sky Season

During the 2017 season, the Chicago Sky struggled on the court, finishing with a 12–22 record which resulted in the team missing the WNBA playoffs for the first time in five consecutive seasons.

August 31, 2018: Coaching and Management Change

On August 31, 2018, the Chicago Sky organization officially relieved Amber Stocks of her duties as both the head coach and the general manager of the team.

November 2018: James Wade hired as Head Coach and GM

In November 2018, the Chicago Sky appointed James Wade to serve as both the head coach and the general manager of the franchise.

2019: 2019 Chicago Sky Season Overview

During the 2019 season, the Sky achieved a 20–14 record and reached the playoffs. Highlights of the 2019 season included James Wade winning Coach of the Year, Courtney Vandersloot breaking her own assists-per-game record, and Diamond DeShields winning the All-Star Game Skills Challenge, though the team was ultimately eliminated by the Las Vegas Aces in the second round of the playoffs.

2019: Beginning of Second Era of Success

In 2019, the Chicago Sky commenced a new four-year period of competitive excellence that would lead to a league championship.

2020: Chicago Sky 2020 WNBA Season

During the 2020 season, which was restricted to a bubble environment in Bradenton, Florida due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chicago Sky finished with a 12–10 record and secured the sixth seed before being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Phoenix Mercury.

February 1, 2021: Candace Parker Signs with Chicago Sky

On February 1, 2021, the Chicago Sky announced the signing of free agent and two-time MVP Candace Parker, who sought to return to her hometown team in Illinois after playing 12 seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks.

October 17, 2021: Chicago Sky Win First WNBA Championship

On October 17, 2021, the Chicago Sky secured their first-ever WNBA Championship by defeating the Phoenix Mercury 3-1 in the Finals, with Kahleah Copper earning the Finals MVP title.

October 19, 2021: Championship Celebration Parade and Rally

A celebratory parade and rally were held on October 19, 2021, to honor the Chicago Sky for their historic 2021 WNBA Championship victory.

2021: First WNBA Championship Victory

In 2021, the Chicago Sky secured their place in history by winning their first-ever WNBA championship in the 2021 WNBA Finals.

2022: Chicago Sky 2022 Season Highlights

During the 2022 season, the Chicago Sky achieved a successful 26–10 record, securing the second seed. Key occurrences included the signing of Emma Meesseman, hosting the WNBA Commissioner's Cup where they were defeated by the Las Vegas Aces, and a playoff run that saw them defeat the New York Liberty in the first round before falling to the Connecticut Sun in the semifinals.

2022: Conclusion of Second Era of Success

The year 2022 marked the end of a highly successful four-year window for the Chicago Sky, which included winning a championship during that span.

2023: 2023 Chicago Sky Season Transition

During the 2023 season, the Chicago Sky underwent a major roster transformation following the departure of several key players. Under the guidance of newcomers like Marina Mabrey and Courtney Williams, the team maintained a near-.500 record throughout the year. In July 2023, head coach James Wade resigned to join the Toronto Raptors, leading to Emre Vatansever taking over as interim head coach. The season concluded with the Sky securing the eighth seed and subsequently being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Las Vegas Aces.